The Lord keeps telling us wonderful things that don't seem to happen. For years He told Abraham that he would be the father of a great nation, but Abraham reached ninety-nine years of age and still hadn't had his first child. When God repeated His promise, Abraham argued with Him: "O Lord God, what good will Your gifts be, if I keep on being childless?" (Gn 15:2) "See, You have given me no offspring" (Gn 15:3). "How am I to know?" (Gn 15:8)

Finally, the Lord decided to prove that His promise was true (see Jos 23:14). He told Abraham to bring a heifer, she-goat, ram, turtledove, and pigeon. He told Abraham to split the animals, except for the birds. "As the sun was about to set, a trance fell upon Abram, and a deep, terrifying darkness enveloped him" (Gn 15:12). "When the sun had set and it was dark, there appeared a smoking brazier and a flaming torch, which passed between those pieces. It was on that occasion that the Lord made a covenant with Abram" (Gn 15:17-18).

Are you in Abraham's sandals? Do you have trouble believing God's promises for your life? Do you argue with God when He repeats His promise, complain to God for taking His time, or think it may be "too late" for the Lord to fulfill His promise? God is still making covenants. He may be willing to prove Himself to you one more time. Ask for a sign, a confirmation of His promise (Is 7:11). The Lord may surprise you.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 22, 2007

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